Comments from participants

“JASP is one of the highlights of my year. The opportunity to talk with informed, interesting and often funny people is not to be missed. As a non-academic it is an oasis in my workaday corporate existence. The quality of the presenters is excellent.”

“The level of courtesy and graciousness at JASP is not found in regular academic conferences.”

“I regularly teach Austen at the college level, and this program routinely sends me back to the classroom with more knowledge and more practical ways to make Austen live for my students. And because everyone knows all of the books, the enlightenment doesn’t stop with the book of the year – the conversation helps recast the other novels as well.”

“I cannot recommend this event highly enough to other Janeites! I enjoyed myself more than I did at the JASNA AGM! I will be a repeat attendee for certain and I will attempt to being along friends!”

“What I loved was the company at this symposium. Attendees ranged from their 20s to their 70s – grad students, high school teachers, professors, a mechanic and even a goat herder. Many of us discovered Austen in our teens and kept rereading her books over and over again. Although we didn’t study Austen for a living, we filtered the book through our own experiences – Russian, Chinese, old and young.” –Marian Liu

“Thank you for hosting such a delightful and informative conference last weekend. This was my first experience delving into the heart of Jane Austen, and I learned so much that now I cannot wait to read more! The conference itself was well organized and varied, and the speakers all provided a unique insight into the Regency era. Thank you so much for all of your efforts!” — Mary Catherine Geradts, Chapel Hill

“The discussion groups are a highlight. Dynamic discussions led by famous Austen scholars make the JASP worth every penny!”

“A wonderful, filled schedule with a perfect balance of academia and fun. . .I loved the mix of academic content and living the novel. It was a blast. I learned a lot, met great people and had a ball (literally). . . I couldn’t have spent 4 days better.”

“As a teacher in a state that recently has not made public school teachers feel valued, your graciousness and generosity have pampered me. I go home basking not only in the words of Jane Austen but in the acts of kindness fellow Janeites have marinated me in.”

“All the professors I met were so friendly and welcoming, so I never felt intimidated talking with such impressive scholars. It was a totally comfortable environment for all!”

“My favorite was the performance of ‘Jack and Alice’ by the grad students. Delightful!”

“There is nothing similar available–certainly not of the same quality. It’s a fabulous opportunity. The biggest strength is the focus on Jane Austen and the diversity of views and topics covered.”

“Time spent with smart people discussing a single book is always worth while. The conference was a wonderful opportunity to learn, discuss, reflect, mingle, and enjoy.”

“Programs such as this one where the love of reading and scholarship are combined in an accessible way for people from all backgrounds will help save the Humanities!

“I really enjoyed getting together with fellow Jane Austen lovers for 4 days and becoming immersed in her life, times, and books. It’s a real treat.. . I loved the addition of Jane Austen Books. I love the fact that scholars and non-scholars gather together and have intense discussions around a particular Austen novel.”

“Thank you for an unforgettable experience!”

“It’s such a joy to be among like minds! There are few places where I can make Austen references and have them appreciated. The blend of academics and other fans leads to very fruitful discussions.”

“The most fun I’ve had in an academic setting since grad school! I can’t wait for next year’s event and am already working on Emma in preparation…”

“A fun way to meet people with the same interests and learn more about Austen and Regency era in general.”

“Perfect. Everything from registration to check-in were very organized and efficient.”

“It was an overall delightful adventure — informative and thought-provoking!”

“I adored the relaxed ambiance, with no clear division

between the experts and the amateurs —a feeling of respect for everyone ,

no matter one’s expertise in Austen.”

“The graduate students were immensely personable, helpful, and charming.”

“I have already told most of my friends to mark their calendars for next year.”

“Brilliant professors and delicious teatimes.”

“An excellently organized experience. Wonderful dance instruction

(and the ball!), and I found the group discussions after each panel lively & enlightening. Excellent.”